For the last several months, I have experimented with the raw food diet. Although I’ve periodically fallen off the wagon or made food combining errors that had disastrous effects on my stomach, following the diet carefully has improved my mental and physical health dramatically. For this reason, I’m always excited about sharing my passion for the raw food lifestyle with others. Here are some of the great health benefits that can result from doing so:
1. Reduced Risk of Cancer.
In their study on the raw food diet, WebMD referenced studies indicating that certain cruciferous vegetables-such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and kale-can help prevent cancer. This is the case because these vegetables contain isothiocyanates, agents which alter the proteins of cancer cells. Unfortunately, cooking these cruciferous vegetables robs them of the cancer-fighting isothiocyanates. In recognizing that a raw diet can be greatly advantageous for your health, you may want to invest in tools such as blenders and juicers so you can prepare your raw meals in a variety of creative, delicious ways.
2. Weight Loss.
The ability to shed unwanted pounds on a raw food diet is great, and this is important since 2/3 of Americans are either overweight or obese. The raw food diet can aid in the weight loss process for several reasons. Firstly, raw foods like fruits and vegetables tend to be high fiber. This is important because fiber creates a feeling of fullness that can preclude you from overeating. Secondly, raw food diets often have fewer calories than other food types because they are largely comprised of fruits and vegetables. Because of this, raw foodists can consume ample amounts of the diet without packing on pounds like individuals who eat copious amounts of highly processed foods filled with weight-adding preservatives and additives.
3. Gene Modification.
Although individuals who have a genetic predisposition to certain debilitating diseases may have resolved that they will acquire a dangerous condition at some point in their lives, this degenerative process doesn’t necessarily have to transpire. According to a Food Technology article cited in Medical News Today, plant-based diets can be effective in limiting disease because “plants have bioactive compounds that play an important role in controlling genetic and other biological factors that contribute towards the development of chronic disease.” This is great news given that studies have found that several genes and genetic mutations make individuals more susceptible to high cholesterol levels, an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. Luckily, the raw diet can limit the efficacy of this destructive gene power and thus decrease an individual’s susceptibility to acquiring the degenerative diseases passed down to them.
Conclusion
Although there are a variety of diets an individual in search of optimal wellness could try, the raw food diet could be particularly advantageous. This is the case for several reasons, including the fact that the diet can modify destructive genes and reduce the risk of cancer. In recognizing all of the benefits of a raw food diet, you may find yourself wanting to try one out. Doing so is relatively easy, and the health results will be fantastic. Good luck!
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